What’s it like being a Jamaican residing in Russia? Within the newest episode of Jamaicans to the World, Xavier Murphy sits down with Joshua White, a proud Portmore native whose path has taken him from St. George’s School in Kingston to Rostov-on-Don in Southern Russia. His story is one among technique, preparation, and a fearless need to expertise the world.
Joshua didn’t stumble into life overseas by likelihood. Whereas a scholar at St. George’s School, he spent his spare time learning languages and making worldwide mates on-line. His objective was clear: put together himself to check abroad, discover new cultures, and open doorways to world alternatives. That dedication paid off. At present, Joshua is fluent in 5 languages — English, Jamaican Patois, Russian, Spanish, and German — and his accent even carries the affect of Jap Europe.
Life in Russia: Challenges and Discoveries
When the time got here to decide on a rustic, Joshua researched his choices fastidiously. Russia stood out not solely due to the visa-free journey association with Jamaica, but additionally due to the sturdy educational alternatives in engineering. Rostov-on-Don, a metropolis wealthy in historical past and tradition close to the Caucasus, provided the right setting for him to pursue a level in electrical engineering.
Life in Russia has been each rewarding and eye-opening. Joshua balances his engineering research with work as an English instructor, serving to professionals and college students sharpen their language expertise. He talks candidly in regards to the challenges of adapting to Russian winters — with temperatures dropping as little as –20°C — and even the problem of discovering the proper barber for Black hair.
But, he additionally shares the fun of discovering Russian delicacies like shashlik (barbecue), borscht (beetroot soup), and pelmeni (dumplings), whereas nonetheless cooking Jamaican favourites each time he craves a style of residence.
For a lot of Russians, Jamaica instantly brings to thoughts Usain Bolt, Bob Marley, and the well-known Soviet-era music ‘Yamaika’, with lyrics that proclaim: ‘Jamaica! Jamaica! When it appeared like I used to be burning below your magnificent scorching solar, I might quench my thirst from a spring. However how can I rinse the warmth of my coronary heart that burns with ardour?’ Joshua embraces these cultural associations whereas additionally breaking stereotypes, displaying what on a regular basis Jamaican life overseas is really like. His story highlights not solely the similarities between individuals but additionally the curiosity and heat that Jamaicans encourage wherever they go.
Recommendation for College students and Travellers
Joshua’s largest piece of recommendation for anybody planning to check or dwell overseas? Put together. Study the language, perceive the foreign money, analysis the tradition, and be prepared for the local weather. With these steps, the transition turns into simpler, and the expertise turns into way more rewarding.
Joshua White’s journey from Portmore, Jamaica, to Rostov-on-Don, Russia is an inspiring reminder of how far dedication and preparation can take you. His story will resonate with college students, professionals, and anybody interested by what life is like for Jamaicans overseas.
Watch extra episodes of Jamaicans to the World on our YouTube channel — and don’t overlook to subscribe and share the movies.
